Employment Compass

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Employment Compass

 

Vacancy Announcement

United States District Court Western District of PA

Position: Administrative Manager

Duty Station: Pittsburgh, PA

Overview: The Administrative Manager manages and oversees all facets of the administrative services section, including budget, finance, property and procurement, space and facilities, court contracts, and internal controls. 

For more information, visit the U.S. District Court website through the link above.


Hot Jobs

Healthcare Professionals

Banking

Retail

Links for Job-Seekers to Bookmark!

Please be sure to regularly review the following sites, as new jobs are posted daily:

USA Jobs

FEDSHireVets

MetroPittsburghJobs

PACareer Link

PA Serves

Vibrant Pittsburgh

GI Jobs

Feds Hire Vets

Military.Com Veteran Jobs

Vet Jobs

militaryhire.com

Hire Purpose


Small Business AdministrationSBASBASBASBA

job readiness

Time Blocking with a Pandemic Twist

Article prepared by Crystal McFadden, Vet Jobs, Pittsburgh Program Manager

Many are feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, and stretched far too thin while caring for family and searching for work. Resources for Veterans are abundant, but making decisions when our brains are screaming, “Help!”.. “What’s next?!”… and “How will I...?!” is almost impossible.  When we are in a “fight, flight, or freeze” response the decision-making part of our brain shuts down and gives the reigns to our emergency functioning department. It is no wonder we may be feeling woozy or out of balance, like we took one too many turns on a carousel.

Time blocking may be your saving grace in this era of extended and heightened stress. Whether you have always used this technique, or have never heard of it, adapting your schedule based upon your current and changing personal needs, household dynamics, and work requirements can be beneficial. Attempting to force these into old rhythms can be doing more harm than good.

As new norms have taken center stage, even the most organized and efficient minds may feel like they have been missing the mark more than ever before. Do not fret; a few perspective adjustments for your core activities may be the simple and attainable shift you need.

1. Priorities / Order of Importance

Think about which responsibilities and roles mean more to you before you begin mapping out your days and week. What means more and brings the highest return on investment (ROI) for your time and energy – going for a run or playing with your toddler? Working to pay the bills or going on that road trip with your family? Time spent reconnecting with your spouse or time spent chatting with the neighbors across the street? Searching for a job or catching up on that Netflix series? Only you can assign the return value.

2. Do Not Sprint During A Marathon

Not only does the ROI matter, but the amount of time planned for each activity should be considered. If you typically take 30 minutes to do a task in a quiet office but now you have a house full of people, consider allocating 45 minutes instead. Alternatively, find a period that allows quiet and uninterrupted blocks of time. For example, are you scheduling video calls at the same time your kids all roll into the kitchen for breakfast or lunch? Consider blocking off your family time and then scheduling your video calls when the rest of the household have their own chores and schoolwork.

3. Consider the Bigger Picture

Considering why you are doing all these activities in the first place will help you complete steps one and two. Are you doing meaningless work while your family dynamics become more unhealthy? Or trying to de-stress in ways that isolate you when what really matters is discovering meaning and connection? Flushing out the bigger “whys” will help you order your priorities and pace yourself for success. Because even “relaxing” deserves a block on the schedule.


Tele-counseling is Available!

Telecounseling

Tele-counseling is another option for you to receive services. You may now request tele-counseling for your initial appointment with your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) as well as follow up appointments throughout your participation in the program.

This allows you to effectively communicate with your VRC without traveling to a Regional Office or out-based location. You will only need a webcam on your computer or mobile device to use this option. If you are interested in tele-counseling, please contact your VRC. Your VRC will work with you to schedule an appointment and will send you a link to access the meeting.


Success Stories

We want to hear your success stories!  VR&E participants often have inspiring, life-changing success stories.  Please take a moment to share your VR&E success stories through the link below.  Your success may inspire your fellow Veterans, who may not be aware of the benefits of the program, to go ahead and apply!  During this challenging time, it's more important than ever to share some good news!

Share your VR&E Success Story!


VA Welcome Kit

Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.

Based on where you are in life, your VA benefits and services can support you in different ways. Keep your welcome kit handy so you can turn to it throughout your life—like when it’s time to go to school, get a job, buy a house, get health care, retire, or make plans for your care as you age.

Feel free to share this guide with friends or family members who need help with their benefits too. Download your VA Welcome Kit and print out copies for yourself and others!


Give Us Your Feedback

We'd love to hear your feedback regarding the Employment Compass.  Please take a few minutes to provide your feedback.  Please leave your comments by clicking the link below:

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*The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Veterans Affairs of the linked web sites, or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized VA activities, the Department does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided with the intent of meeting the mission of the Department. Please let us know about existing external links which you believe are inappropriate and about specific additional external links which you believe ought to be included.